NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Sept. 26, 2018
From: Allison Weiland, Development Coordinator of the Sioux Falls State Theatre Contact: (605) 335-5757 or AllisonW@SiouxFallsStateTheatre.org
Progress continues to be made in the journey to reopen the historic State Theatre in downtown Sioux Falls. A news conference to update the public on progress will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 in the State Theatre lobby at 316 S. Phillips Ave. John Swedeen, president of the nonprofit State Theatre Company, will be available to answer questions.
In addition, the public is invited to drop by the State between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. the following day, Oct. 5, to check out recent progress in restoration work in the auditorium of the Theatre, which was built in 1926 and remains a downtown landmark. The opportunity is during a First Friday Art & Wine Walk in downtown Sioux Falls.
“With our success in fundraising this past year, we’ve been able to do some of the beauty work in the auditorium,” said Allison Weiland, development coordinator for the State Theatre Company. “More specifically, the beautiful organ chamber which is one of the most ornate and visible areas in the Theatre has been restored,” she said.
The infrastructure of the aging building has been rebuilt to preserve the structure, and features such as the lobby have been restored. But an additional $5.5 million is needed to complete work on the magnificent auditorium and upper levels of the building, Weiland said.
To help raise money, Great Plains Sponsorships, Inc. has been hired to help sell naming rights, the pinnacle of which is the title sponsor to the historic venue. Naming rights to several interior features also remain available. Ryan Querry, president of Great Plains Sponsorships, has been involved in the naming of several prominent institutional features in Sioux Falls, including the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center and the Washington Pavilion.
“With 24-hour visibility, 365 days of the year, and the prestige of associating with one of the most iconic landmarks in South Dakota, this is a win for everyone,” Querry said.
Board members envision the State Theatre becoming a multi-purpose, community venue for movies, performances, social events and business gatherings. No opening date has been scheduled yet. The pace of construction is tied to the pace of fundraising.
For information on Naming Rights or to schedule a tour, please contact Ryan Querry at Ryan.Querry@GreatPlainsSponsorships.com, or by phone at (402) 657-8170.
